The main places to buy a dehumidifier
You can buy a dehumidifier at big-box home improvement stores, general retailers, online marketplaces, and specialty HVAC shops. Each option has different advantages: home improvement stores let you see the unit in person and take it home the same day, online retailers often have more models and lower prices, and specialty shops can match you to the right capacity for your space. The best choice depends on whether you want to inspect the unit first, need it quickly, or are looking for informed information on sizing.
Most dehumidifiers cost between $150 and $600 for household models, though prices vary by capacity and features. Larger units and those with smart controls cost more. Knowing where to look and what each retailer offers helps you find the right balance between price, selection, and convenience.
Key Takeaways
- Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards stock dehumidifiers in-store and online, with same-day pickup available at many locations.
- Amazon, Walmart, and Target offer wider model selection and often lower prices, but you cannot inspect the unit before purchase.
- Specialty HVAC and appliance retailers can recommend the correct capacity for your room size and humidity problem.
- Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club carry a limited selection but often at discounted prices for members.
- Local appliance stores may offer delivery, installation, and warranty options that big retailers do not.
Home improvement stores: in-person and pickup options
Home Depot and Lowe's are the largest sources for dehumidifiers in North America. Both stores stock portable and whole-home models in their appliance sections, and you can compare units side by side. You can check availability online, reserve a unit for in-store pickup, or have it delivered. Many locations offer same-day or next-day pickup if the model is in stock.
Menards, which operates primarily in the Midwest and Great Plains, carries a similar selection. All three chains have return policies that allow you to bring back a unit within 30 days if it does not perform as expected. Staff at these stores are usually trained to answer basic questions about capacity and features, though they may not have the depth of knowledge that specialty shops offer.
The advantage of shopping in-store is that you can see the size and weight of the unit, check the noise level on the packaging, and read customer reviews posted on the shelf. You avoid shipping costs and can start using the dehumidifier the same day.
Online marketplaces: wider selection and price comparison
Amazon, Walmart.com, and Target.com stock hundreds of dehumidifier models, including brands and sizes that local stores do not carry. Online shopping lets you compare prices across retailers, read detailed customer reviews, and filter by capacity, noise level, and features. Most online orders ship within three to five business days, and many retailers offer free shipping on orders above a minimum amount.
The trade-off is that you cannot inspect the unit before it arrives. Read the dimensions and weight carefully—some dehumidifiers are heavy and awkward to move. Check the return policy: Amazon allows returns within 30 days, Walmart within 15 days for most items, and Target within 30 days. If the unit arrives damaged, photograph it and contact the seller when ready.
Price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) show you whether the price is at a historical low. Dehumidifiers sometimes go on sale during spring and early summer when demand peaks, so waiting a few weeks can save money if you are not in a hurry.
Specialty HVAC and appliance retailers
Local HVAC contractors, appliance stores, and indoor air quality shops often carry dehumidifiers and can recommend the right size for your space. These retailers ask about your room size, current humidity level, and the source of the moisture—basement dampness, bathroom condensation, or high outdoor humidity—and suggest a unit with the correct capacity. They may also offer installation, ductwork modifications, or integration with your existing HVAC system.
Specialty retailers typically charge more than big-box stores, but they provide warranty support, service, and repair options that chain retailers do not. If your dehumidifier breaks down, you can often bring it back to the shop for repair rather than shipping it across the country. Some shops also rent dehumidifiers for short-term use, which is useful if you are dealing with water damage or a temporary humidity spike.
To find a local HVAC or appliance retailer, search "dehumidifier near me" or ask your HVAC contractor for a recommendation. Call ahead to confirm they stock the capacity and type you need.
Warehouse clubs and discount retailers
Costco and Sam's Club carry a rotating selection of dehumidifiers at member prices, usually 10 to 20 percent below retail. The selection is limited—typically one or two models at any given time—but the prices are competitive. Both clubs offer extended return windows (Costco allows returns indefinitely on most items; Sam's Club allows 90 days) and have customer service desks that can help with questions.
Costco and Sam's Club do not always stock dehumidifiers year-round. Availability peaks in spring and summer. If you see a model you want, buy it then, because it may not return until next season. Check your local warehouse's website or call ahead to confirm stock before making a trip.
Discount retailers like Walmart and Target also carry budget models, often under their house brands. These units are simpler than premium models but work well for small to medium rooms. Read the capacity and noise ratings carefully, as budget models may be louder or less efficient than higher-priced alternatives.
Buying used or refurbished dehumidifiers
Used dehumidifiers are available on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay, often at 40 to 60 percent below new prices. Before buying used, ask the seller how long they owned it, why they are selling, and whether it still runs. Request photos of the unit and the filter. Meet in person to test it if possible—plug it in and listen for unusual noises.
Refurbished dehumidifiers sold by manufacturers or authorized retailers come with a warranty and have been tested and cleaned. These are safer than private sales and cost 20 to 30 percent less than new units. Check the warranty length: some refurbished units carry a one-year warranty, while others offer only 90 days. Manufacturer websites and authorized resellers like Amazon Warehouse Deals list refurbished options.
The risk with used or refurbished units is that you have no recourse if the compressor fails or the unit stops working after a few months. Buy used only if you are comfortable with that risk or if the price is low enough that replacement is not a financial hardship.
What to check before you buy
Capacity, measured in pints per day, is the most important specification. A unit rated for 30 pints per day removes 30 pints of water from the air in 24 hours. For a small bedroom or bathroom, 30 to 50 pints per day is usually enough. For a basement or large room, 50 to 70 pints per day is more appropriate. If you are unsure, the retailer or product description should list the square footage the unit covers.
Noise level, measured in decibels, matters if the dehumidifier will run in a bedroom or living area. Most units range from 45 to 55 decibels—roughly the volume of a quiet conversation. Check the noise rating in the product specifications or customer reviews. Energy efficiency, shown as an EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) or annual energy cost, affects your electricity bill. Higher EER numbers mean lower operating costs.
Check the warranty: most new dehumidifiers come with a one-year parts and labor warranty. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties for an additional cost. Confirm the return policy before you buy, especially if ordering online. If the unit does not reduce humidity as expected, you want the option to return it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a dehumidifier if it does not work?
Yes. Home Depot and Lowe's allow returns within 30 days. Amazon allows 30 days for most items. Costco allows returns indefinitely on most products. Check the retailer's return policy before you buy. Keep the receipt and original packaging if possible. If the unit is defective, contact the manufacturer's warranty service, which may repair or replace it at no cost.
Is it cheaper to buy online or in a store?
Online prices are often lower, especially on Amazon and Walmart.com, because these retailers have lower overhead. Home improvement stores sometimes match online prices if you ask. Warehouse clubs like Costco offer member discounts. Factor in shipping costs for online orders—many retailers offer free shipping above a minimum purchase. In-store pickup eliminates shipping and lets you start using the unit when ready.
What size dehumidifier do I need?
Capacity depends on room size and humidity level. A 30-pint unit works for rooms up to 500 square feet in moderately humid climates. A 50-pint unit covers up to 1,500 square feet or very damp basements. The product description or retailer staff can help you match capacity to your space. If you are unsure, ask a specialty HVAC retailer—they can assess your situation and recommend the right size.
Should I buy a portable or whole-home dehumidifier?
Portable units are cheaper and work well for single rooms or basements. Whole-home units integrate with your HVAC system and dehumidify your entire house but cost significantly more and require professional installation. For most homes, a portable unit in the problem area is the practical choice. Specialty HVAC retailers can explain whether a whole-home system makes sense for your situation.
Where can I find the best price?
Compare prices on Amazon, Walmart, Target, and your local Home Depot or Lowe's using a price-comparison tool or by visiting each site. Check Costco if you are a member. Read customer reviews on multiple sites to confirm the model performs well. Prices drop during spring and early summer, so waiting a few weeks can save money if you are not dealing with an urgent moisture problem.